cycles through everything while trying to select one thing
Yes, this is normal. This is the way Blender handles selectable objects that are coincident, or very close to each other. If it can't tell which one you want, it will cycle through each possible option until you stop on the one you want.

If you want to avoid this behavior, there are a few options.


You may be able to move some objects to other layers. 
A little known tool is "Local View." Press numpad / in object mode to view only the selected object. Do what you want to it, and then press / again to see everything else again.
Use h to hide selected objects
Use shift to hide UNselected objects
Use the Outliner to turn off selectability for certain objects